AO3 - Evaluation

• What is the strength of social learning theory related to health campaigns?

  Its application to health campaigns. Andsager found that the perceived similarity to model in anti-alcohol advertisements was positively related to the message's effectiveness. Health campaigns try to match characters that model the desired behaviours with the target audience, to increase the level of identification, to bring about greater SLT. This suggests that SLT has had a positive impact on health promotion campaigns and can improve quality of life
• What did Andsager et al (2006) find regarding anti-alcohol advertisements?

  Perceived similarity to a model was positively related to the message's effectiveness
• How do health campaigns utilize social learning theory to increase effectiveness?

  By matching characters that model desired behaviors with the target audience
• What does the application of social learning theory suggest about its impact on health promotion campaigns?

  It has had a positive impact on health promotion campaigns
• Why does research support a strength for the SLT?

  Another strength of SLT is the research support for identification. Fox and Bailenson's study found that humans are more likely to imitate computer generate virtual humans who were similar to the real participant. Participants who observed similar virtual model exercising engage in more exercise in the 24h following the experiment. This demonstrates the importance of identification in SLT, improving the theory's credibility
• What did Fox and Bailenson find about imitation of virtual humans?

  Humans are more likely to imitate virtual humans who are similar to them
• What does the research by Fox and Bailenson demonstrate about social learning theory?

  It highlights the importance of identification in social learning theory
• What is a criticism of social learning theory related to causality?

  The problem of causalityThe problem of causality is a criticism. Researchers argue that young people who possess deviant attitudes and values are more likely to seek out peers with similar attitudes and behaviour, as they are more fun to be with. It could be argued that humans do not observe and imitate negative behaviours but those with delinquent attitudes seek out similar peers. SLT may not be the cause of delinquent behaviour meaning the theory is not a complete explanation of behaviour
• What does the criticism of causality suggest about social learning theory's explanation of delinquent behavior?

  It suggests that SLT may not be the sole cause of delinquent behavior
• What is another criticism of social learning theory related to behavior complexity?

  The issue of complexity. SLT explains the development of gender-specific behaviour, as a result of gender-specific role models. However, children are exposed to many different influences which interact in a complex way. These include genetic predisposition, media portrayals etc. This means it is harseparated to the effect of SLT from the many other factors that also influence behaviour, reducingcredibility the of the theory
• How does social learning theory explain the development of gender-specific behavior?

  As a result of gender-specific models
• What factors complicate the understanding of behavior development beyond social learning theory?

  Genetic predisposition, media portrayals, and other influences
• Why is it difficult to distinguish the effects of social learning theory from other influences on behavior?

  Because many different influences interact in a complex way
• What is a strength of Bandura's studies being laboratory experiments?

  High degree of control over extraneous variables
• What did Bandura find about children who observed aggressive behavior?

  They were more likely to imitate the behavior
• Under what condition were children less likely to imitate aggressive behavior?

  If the adult received punishment for aggression
• What ethical issues were present in Bandura's studies?

  • Lack of informed consent from participants
  • Psychological distress for children
  • Exposure to aggressive behavior without consent